What is aGROculture? We all use the word agriculture without really thinking about it. We looked to the root of the word for better understanding and found that agri refers to the science, art, and practice of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising livestock. Agro, however, denotes something related to or associated with agriculture. For example, "agroforestry" refers to the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems. "Agronomy" is the study of soil management and crop production. "Agro-industry" refers to businesses that process agricultural raw materials into food, fuel, or other products. So, to us, aGROculture incorporates agriculture into the study of the history, business, customs, and politics connected to the farming community, with an emphasis on people from emerging communities.

 

To that end, the Outdoors On Purpose aGROculture Internship Program connects high school students from all over the State to the environment through the lens of agriculture. This 12-week program, conducted in the spring, includes both academics and hands-on learning with farmers and other facilitators involved in the agriculture/food systems sector. Food sovereignty, alternative farming, cultural agriculture practices, soil science, and organic foods vs ultra processed foods are some of the subjects we will introduce the interns to. Students will be planting, harvesting, learning about the entrepreneurial side of farming, agriculture meets technology, working with the environment, and food deserts, to name a few. When interns have completed the program, they will be invited to deepen their experience by working in our “externship” with one of our partners. 

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This fall, we will  be busily at work planting next spring's program.  Check back often for more details!